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If you’ve ever used a garden hose, you may know the struggle of wrangling it when you’re done with a given task. Although many garden hose storage options seek to simplify putting away a garden hose, few make it as easy as a retractable hose reel. There are a number of retractable hose reels on the market, and we tested eight top models for functionality, durability, installation ease, value, and curb appeal.
How does a retractable hose reel work? A round housing unit holds a garden hose and a reel powered by a large spring. As you extend the hose from the unit, a spring attached to the reel begins to wind and tighten. When you’re finished using the hose and want to store it, simply tug the hose to release a locking mechanism and engage the spring-loaded reel, which automatically winds up the hose in about 20 seconds.
Find out how each product fared in our hands-on testing and which ones are our top picks for the best retractable garden hose reels in various categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- RUNNER-UP: Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- UPGRADE PICK: Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
- BEST FOR MEDIUM YARDS: Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
- BEST SPIKE-MOUNTED: Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike
How We Tested the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels
Before starting our hands-on testing of the best retractable garden hose reels, we researched top consumer needs and considered more than 15 options with high user reviews. Then, we narrowed our list to eight models to test and spent a month installing and using each retractable hose reel.
First, we mounted each hose reel to a wooden post using the included bracket and screws, if applicable. To test for functionality, we extended the full length of the hose and then retracted it at least a dozen times, noting the overall ease or difficulty, the smoothness, and how well it retracted. We also dropped the hose couplings and any included nozzles on our concrete patio multiple times to mimic the natural wear and tear these parts may undergo. Finally, we kept all of our test results in a rubric, and—at the end of the testing period—used these results to rate each product and award it as the top pick in one of the categories.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 8
- Hours spent testing: 6.5
- Tests performed: 5
- Average price: $180.42
Our Top Picks
These top picks represent some of the best retractable garden hose reels on the market today. They are easy to operate, with proven designs that will quickly retract a hose without tangling. We’ve included a selection of reels to accommodate various hose lengths, and we extensively tested each model for functionality and durability.
Best Overall
Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- 130-foot hose locks at any length, making it ideal for all yard sizes
- Auto-rewind system retracts the hose without any kinking or tangling
- Hose reel features a 180-degree swivel and is removable for storage
Cons
- Loose rubber gaskets inside the hose’s couplings fell out upon unboxing
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 130 feet
- Size: ½-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Adjustable with 9 spray patterns
With its ample length and durable construction, this retractable garden hose reel from Giraffe Tools is a quality choice for just about any yard. It comes equipped with a 130-foot hose that locks at any length, allowing it to reach even the far corners of a lawn. The hose itself is made of an abrasion-resistant hybrid material that can handle pressures of up to 600 pounds per square inch (PSI)—nearly twice what most hoses can handle—without bursting. This is a key feature, given that the hoses in retractable reels generally aren’t replaceable.
The Giraffe Tools retractable hose reel came with everything we needed to mount the bracket to our wooden post, and the process was simple, taking less than 10 minutes. The handy quick-release system made it easy to set the reel in the bracket and remove it for portability or storage. The hose pulled out smoothly, requiring little effort on our part. To retract the hose, we gave it a gentle tug, and the auto-rewind system kicked in, rolling it up without any kinking or tangling.
We also appreciated the hose’s high-quality spray nozzle, which features nine unique spray patterns. We repeatedly dropped the hose on our concrete patio to test for durability, and there was no damage to the nozzle or couplings. The only malfunction we encountered was minor: The rubber gaskets in the hose’s couplings were loose, falling out as we unboxed the reel. It was easy to put them back in place, but potential buyers will want to keep this in mind.
Get the Giraffe Tools 130-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Runner-up
Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Easy-to-install mounting bracket; hose reel locks in place via a metal pin
- 100-foot hose length is ideal for yards and gardens of all sizes
- Durable 9-pattern spray nozzle is suitable for various applications
Cons
- Retraction requires the gentlest of pulls; required several attempts after each use
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 100 feet
- Size: ⅝-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns
The Aquazilla retractable water hose reel was on par with our top pick, earning it the Runner-Up award. The hose features a ⅝-inch diameter and a 100-foot length, perfect for extended reach through the yard. The mounting bracket has a 180-degree swivel, and the hose locks at any length.
Upon unboxing the Aquazilla retractable garden hose, we were impressed with the attractiveness of the design. A handle at the top of the reel made it easy for us to carry and then install the product. It took us a mere 5 minutes to install the mounting bracket on our wooden post; the reel hooked to the bracket via a removable metal pin.
During testing, we could pull the hose smoothly from the reel, and it locked into place the second we stopped pulling. Our only issue was that retracting the hose required only the gentlest tug, which we never could seem to achieve on the first try. However, once the hose did retract, the hose guide prevented any kinking. The heavy-duty, pistol-grip spray nozzle resisted any cracking when we dropped it on our concrete patio. We also found the nozzle’s nine different spray patterns useful for many applications, including rinsing off our patio and watering flowers.
Get the Aquazilla retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Reasonably priced compared with retractable hose reels of a similar size
- Easiest to pull the hose of all the models we tested
- 100-foot hose length is suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes
Cons
- Plastic housing unit appears to be of lower quality than other top picks
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 3/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 100 feet
- Size: ½-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns
This retractable garden hose reel from Eneacro offers several good features at a reasonable price. It automatically locks at any length and retracts slowly using an internal breaking mechanism. The hose’s 100-foot length makes it suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes. The reel includes a side mount and can rotate 180 degrees to reach all parts of a yard, and users can remove the reel from the bracket for easy winter storage.
Upon unboxing, it was apparent why this garden hose reel was cheaper than other products on our list. The plastic housing unit was thinner, and the hose looked to be of lower quality. However, looks can be deceiving, as we were pleasantly surprised by this hose reel’s performance.
We installed the mounting bracket by drilling four pilot holes and then screwing the bracket in place. We then attached the reel and began using the hose. This hose was the easiest to pull among all of our top picks. There was no resistance, and drawing out the entire hose length took zero force. When we had finished using it, the hose retracted smoothly. The hose also features a handy pistol-grip nozzle with nine spray patterns. While this model’s housing unit appears to be a lower quality than that of the other products, it’s still an ideal option for users who value ease of use—and at a lower price.
Get the Eneacro retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Features durable construction and an attractive modern design
- Hybrid polymer hose is thick, flexible, and resistant to kinking
- Simple installation and easy to remove from the mount for portability or storage
Cons
- Inconsistent retraction; the hose sometimes rewinds to one side rather than evenly throughout the reel
- Doesn’t include a spray nozzle or screws for the mounting bracket
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Length: 60 feet
- Size: ½-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Not included
For shoppers who want to invest in a higher-priced retractable hose reel, it’s best to choose a sturdy model designed for ease of use like this Macnaught hose reel that features heavy-duty construction and a high-quality hose. Although the 60-foot hose has a smaller ½-inch diameter, it’s made from a hybrid polymer material that doesn’t hold a coiled shape, making it easier to extend and less likely to kink.
When we unboxed the hose reel, we were impressed with the material quality. The hose felt flexible but thick—definitely a grade above the other options. The housing unit featured durable plastic and a modern design. It included a metal bracket for installation; unfortunately, though, no screws were included. Luckily, we had some screws on hand and were able to mount the bracket to our post in just a few minutes.
Similar to other retractable garden hose reels, this model locks automatically and retracts with a gentle pull. However, the retraction was inconsistent during our testing. Sometimes the garden hose would retract in an even pattern, while other times it would all go to one side. In those instances, we’d have to unwind the hose and retract it again to straighten it out. An additional downside to this model is that it didn’t include a spray nozzle.
Get the Macnaught retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.
Best for Small Yards
Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
Pros
- Includes hose guide for easy, even retraction within the reel
- Reel attaches to the mounting bracket via a removable metal pin
- Hose is easy to pull out, locks in place, and smoothly retracts
Cons
- Hose features plastic couplings with snap-on connections, which may be less desirable
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Length: 50 feet
- Size: Unspecified
- Nozzle: Fire hose
The shorter 50-foot hose on this Gardena model is ideal for keeping flower beds and landscaping in smaller yards well irrigated. Similar to other hose reels, it mounts to a wall and swivels 180 degrees to access different parts of the yard. A bracket on the mount pairs with a standard padlock (not included) to prevent theft. Users can easily remove the reel from the mount for winter storage.
We installed the bracket to our wooden post with four screws and then set the reel on top, locking it in with a metal pin. We then tested the hose, pulling it out and retracting it more than a dozen times. The hose extended and retracted smoothly and efficiently each time. This product includes a handy hose guide for installation on the corner of a house or building to prevent snags.
Rather than metal couplings like the other hose reels we tested, this product has plastic couplings with snap-on connections. The water source hook-up, however, has a standard threaded connection. Additionally, this hose reel has a basic fire-hose nozzle, which wasn’t our favorite, but it works well for watering plants.
Get the Gardena 50-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.
Best for Medium Yards
Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Attractive and high-quality housing unit made from reinforced propylene plastic
- Kink-proof hose retracts via a guide that keeps it tidy inside the housing unit
- 90-foot hose length and versatile spray nozzle are ideal for many applications
Cons
- Doesn’t pull as smoothly as other tested products from this brand; requires force
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 90 feet
- Size: ⅝-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns
The Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel is an attractive option for midsize yards and gardens. The housing unit is durable, consisting of reinforced propylene plastic that won’t fade in the sun. The reel features a self-layering system that guides the hose into the unit smoothly and without any kinking.
This model included everything we needed to mount it, including a propylene bracket and four screws with plastic anchors. After mounting, all we had to do was set the reel in place. We started our functionality testing by pulling the length of the hose out of the reel multiple times. We immediately noticed that this model required much more force to pull than the other Giraffe Tools models we tested.
The retraction on this hose worked as expected, rewinding smoothly and without kinks. We repeatedly dropped the nine-setting spray nozzle on the concrete patio to mimic the regular wear and tear the hose might experience. The couplings never warped, and the nozzle didn’t crack or show any signs of damage. Overall, this is a high-quality retractable garden hose reel, but it requires some upper body strength to extend the entire length of the hose.
Get the Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Large Yards
Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Pros
- Extra-long hose length of 155 feet is ideal for large yards, gardens, and barns
- Durable, heavy-duty housing is made from reinforced and fade-resistant propylene
- Versatile spray nozzle with 9 spray patterns meets multiple needs
Cons
- Long hose length makes reel heavier to carry and install
- Wider mounting bracket may limit installation options
Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 155 feet
- Size: ½-inch diameter
- Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns
With a whopping 155 feet of hose length, this Giraffe Tools option is one of the longest retractable garden hose reels on the market, making it ideal for yards that extend far from the spigot. The reel functions similarly to other retractable hose reels, locking automatically at any length and retracting with a simple tug.
The mounting bracket was wider than others on our list, requiring a minimum of a 4-inch by 6-inch post on which to mount it. Alternatively, users can mount it directly to the side of a house or building. We installed the bracket on our wooden post, which took only a few minutes. We then set the reel in place and began using the hose. The reel weighs about 40 pounds, making it slightly more challenging to install.
We expected such a long hose to be more difficult to pull, but it wasn’t. It pulled smoothly from the reel, locking in place each time we stopped. It also retracted with a gentle tug, never kinking. The durable sprayer nozzle featured the same nine-setting pistol grip as on all the Giraffe Tools models we tested. We subjected the nozzle to many drops on our concrete patio, and it held up well. And we found the multiple sprayer settings useful for a variety of applications.
Get the Giraffe Tools 155-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Spike Mounted
Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike
Pros
- Easy-to-install metal ground spike eliminates the need for wall mounting
- Hose pulls out smoothly and retracts with a gentle tug
- 66-foot length suits small to medium yards and gardens
Cons
- Includes a basic adjustable nozzle instead of a higher-quality spray nozzle
- Expensive for the quality and size of the hose reel
Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Length: 66 feet
- Size: Unspecified
- Nozzle: Fire hose
Users who can’t or don’t want to wall-mount a hose reel can still enjoy the benefits of a retractable garden hose with the spike-mounted Gardena 66-foot hose reel. The housing unit is constructed with frostproof and UV-resistant material and features RollControl technology for safe retraction.
This hose reel came with everything we needed to install it. We mounted the stake by finding a suitable, utility-free area in our yard and then used the included metal rod to twist the stake into place. We couldn’t get the stake all the way into the ground, but we pushed it deep enough to support the hose reel. We then assembled the reel and placed it on the mount.
The hose didn’t feel quite as durable as the other models we tested, but it extended and retracted smoothly with no tangling or kinking. The 66-foot length makes it best suited for small to medium yards. This model has a fire-hose adjustable nozzle, which didn’t have the quality of the nozzles on other top picks. However, it still held up to many drops on the concrete patio and worked well for watering plants.
Get the Gardena 66-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Although knowing the length of the hose is key when you’re purchasing a retractable garden hose reel, there are other important factors to consider, such as the hose diameter, nozzle type, and mounting design.
Length
“Hose length is definitely a top consideration,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “If you want to be able to extend your hose out to water the plants across your lawn without requiring a watering can to make up the difference, then make sure to measure the distance you need.”
Though other types of hose storage solutions may allow you to add length by attaching an additional hose, you won’t be able to add to or replace the hose that comes with a retractable reel. The best way to determine the length you’ll need is to measure from an outdoor spigot to the farthest point in the yard. Hose lengths for retractable garden hose reels typically range from about 50 to 150 feet.
Mounting and Portability
A retractable garden hose holder comes with a mounting kit for installation on the side of a house, shed, or even a fence or post. The mounting kit allows the reel to hinge left to right 180 degrees, making it easier to direct the hose toward a flower bed, driveway, or other location.
Mounting the hose reel is necessary to provide a solid base while pulling the hose for retraction. A hose reel wall mount typically has a removable pin that allows the user to detach the entire device from the mount, which is convenient when storing the hose in a shed or garage for the winter.
Hose Size
Hose sizes for retractable garden hoses vary from ⅜ of an inch in diameter up to ⅝ of an inch in diameter. A larger-diameter hose can carry more water and therefore produce a higher flow rate than a smaller-diameter hose. With this in mind, a ⅜-inch or ½-inch hose is best suited for watering plants, while a ⅝-inch hose is ideal for uses that demand higher water volume, such as running a sprinkler or washing a car.
Nozzle Type
Some garden hose reels feature one of two types of nozzle: pistol grip or fire hose. Pistol-grip models fit ergonomically in the hand with a grip and trigger that allow the user to regulate the amount of output. The nozzle has a throttle tip for toggling between eight or nine spray patterns, including a stream, broad fan, and mist.
Fire-hose nozzles are long and straight. The user can adjust the spray from a high-pressure stream to a broad fan by twisting the nozzle. Though a fire-hose nozzle doesn’t offer the same variety of spray patterns as a pistol-grip nozzle, it is usually made from all-metal parts and is typically more durable.
Most nozzle types use standard fittings, so you can easily replace one later with an aftermarket nozzle, if necessary.
The Advantages of Owning a Retractable Garden Hose Reel
Although retractable reels are one of the more expensive storage solutions for garden hoses, there are several good reasons to invest in one. A retractable hose reel makes it easy to collect and store a garden hose that is up to 155 feet in length, eliminating the need to wrangle a hose manually. Garden hose reels also feature wall mounts, which can inconspicuously attach to a house or shed, unlike a hose reel cart that requires indoor storage. These reels detach easily from their mounts and double as a storage container for the hose during winter months. A retractable garden hose reel can:
- Eliminate the need to manually wind up a hose
- Store the hose in an out-of-the-way place
- Allow for convenient transport of the hose for winter storage
“With longer hoses, it’s definitely helpful to have a crank feature or a retractable design to bring the hose back into place. If you don’t need a long hose and/or don’t need to take it out very far, a retractable hose may be an unnecessary expense,” says Yamaguchi. With that in mind, if you have a small yard with low water needs, a quality expandable hose may be sufficient.
FAQs
If you’re wondering how to use your new retractable garden hose reel or want to know what to do if the hose becomes damaged, read on for answers to these frequently asked questions.
A retractable garden hose reel makes it easier to collect and store the hose by eliminating the need to manually wind it up. A quality hose reel also provides a tidy place to store the hose during the winter months.
To use a hose reel, grab the nozzle end and pull the hose to the desired location for watering. The hose will automatically lock when you stop pulling. To retract the hose, give it a quick tug. The hose reel will automatically wind up the hose in about 20 seconds.
Most hoses in retractable hose reels are not replaceable. If the hose becomes damaged, however, you may be able to repair it with a patch kit.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.
